Blog
This blog is your behind-the-scenes look into the minds of the Saints of Sorrow. In this blog you’ll find reviews of independently published dark romance books, articles on controversial or taboo bookish topics, and reading lists curated by dark romance readers for dark romance readers.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or lover of all things dark romance, here you'll find inspiration, resources, and community!
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If you’re looking for articles on Parasocial Behavior In The Book Community, Kink and Fetish’s Role In Dark Romance, or The Positives of Reading Smut, AND SO MUCH MORE. Look no further! Find all LA articles right here.
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Have you ever wondered what new independently published books you should pick up? Never fear! Library of Angels focuses on reviewing books by indie authors in the dark romance field. We do the research so you don’t have to! Find your newest read here.
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Have you had a friend ever ask you for a beginner friendly dark romance list and have you been stuck? Never fear, find lists for 5 Dark Romance Books for Beginners, 9 Dark Little Mermaid Retellings, and new releases each month right here!
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Ever wanted to know what the Library of Angels founder is working on? Check out her what this week series to stay up-to-date. She will occasionally drop hints for new LA Services, Merch, and site updates.
Looking for a subgenre?
Enemies-to-Lovers
You know that kind of love that starts with a threat? Enemies-to-lovers! In dark romance, enemies to lovers isn’t just about bickering, but rather the betrayal that leads to tension so thick…you could cut it with a knife. The characters hate each other… until they don’t. And when that hatred turns into something hungrier…something hotter? It’s explosive. Dangerous. Addictive. You’ll be rooting for the kiss and the knife to the throat.
Captive Romance
The title of the sub-genre speaks for itself. One of the main characters is captured physically, emotionally, or both. They don’t want to fall for their captor…at least not at first. It’s about power and surrender, fear and desire—and what happens when the cage starts to feel like home and the captor begins to feel like forever.
Marriage of Convenience
They didn’t fall in love but they did sign on the dotted line. In dark romance, marriages aren’t always fairytales, sometimes they’re weapons. Alliances. Traps. But when two strangers (or enemies) are forced to share a bed, the tension is TOO GOOD to ignore. It's rarely about love however, before they both realize they’ve fallen…it’s too late. One signature sealed their fate—now the obsession seals everything else.
Touch Them & Die
The monster everyone fears and the one person they’d burn the world for. This trope is for the readers who crave devotion and obsession. Its unhinged in the most romantic of ways. No one lays a hand on them. No one even looks at them the wrong way. Not if they want to live. Its love fastened into a weapon only the lover can wield.
Stalker Romance
Unbeknownst to the stalkee…they are being watched. Creepy? Maybe. But in dark romance, it’s complicated. They’re obsessed in a way only dark hearts can comprehend. As their paths start to intertwine and the mask begins to unravel…the fear starts to feel intoxicating. They cross every line—but what if the person you should run from is the only one who really sees you?
Mafia Romance
Lethal. Powerful. And the kind of person you don't say no to. These are all things used to describe the Mafia love interest in this type of romance. In this world - love is war, loyalty is dangerous, and passion gets people killed. But when they falls, they fall hard. And protecting the person they love? That becomes their only rule. Even if it means burning their empire to the ground.
What This Week: Onus not Anus (Vol. 13)
Onus Not Anus. Read up on Library of Angels’ Founder, Angel’s, think-piece on the duty of professionalism in the book space! Follow it up with all of this weeks updates!
10 Tips for Writing Dark Romance
A tough-love guide for dark romance writers battling self-doubt, creative blocks, and imposter syndrome. Real advice, no fluff. Let’s get to work.
Omegaverse: Literature’s True Alpha
Discover how Omegaverse flips power, pleasure, and primal instinct in dark romance fiction, redefining the dynamics of desire and dominance in ways that challenge traditional narratives. This bold take on literature’s most feral subgenre explores complex hierarchies, emotional vulnerability, and the raw, often dangerous interplay between characters. Through intense relationships charged with tension and taboo, Omegaverse stories delve deep into themes of control, submission, and the pursuit of identity, pushing boundaries to create immersive worlds where power is fluid and passion is both a weapon and a refuge. Whether confronting society’s constraints or examining the primal urges that drive us, this genre invites readers to explore the darkest corners of human and sometimes supernatural connection with unflinching honesty and intensity.
Review: Contentment by Tilly Ridge
Reviewed by Aubrey, Contentment is a dark rockstar novella story explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. There is also pansexual awakening.
Tropes include: forbidden and one-bed.
If you don’t like it - Scroll
In a world where algorithms feed us what we like, why do we still waste energy being hateful online? This article explores the toxic habit of leaving negative comments on Bookstagram and social media and it makes a powerful case for doing the simplest thing instead: just scroll.
What This Week: Updates For Days (Vol. 11)
Long time…no update! Missed something this week and don’t feel like searching for it? Not down for the newsletter, but want to stay up-to-date? Or are you just forgetful and could use an easy follow-up page? LOOK NO FURTHER! The What This Week series has returned and will be published on Fridays now for a comprehensive update not only on what I’m working on and who I’m woking with, but site updates as well!
Review: Contrition by C.S. Silverne
Reviewed by Aubrey, Contrition is a dark rockstar romance story explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. Tropes include: age gap, second chance, and strong fmc.
Reflection: Chaos and Clarity
Take a look at a raw and reflective letter from the shadows of burnout, survival, and self-discovery. As the world spins into chaos, this piece explores how dark fiction, inked skin, and midnight concerts can still be portals to peace. This is a personal check-in for readers who carry both softness and fire deep within their bones.
Review: Deviant Legacy by Sophie Dyer
Reviewed by Emily, Deviant Legacy is a dark mafia romance story explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. Tropes include: Real Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Secret Identity, and Grumpy/ Sunshine
Review: Precious Legacy by Sophie Dyer
Reviewed by Emily, Precious Legacy is a dark romance story explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. Tropes include: lovers to Enemies to Lovers, Touch Them and Die, Brother’s Best Friend, Second Chance Romance, Morally Grey
Dark Romance Releases of July 2024
HOTTEST DARK ROMANCE RELEASES OF JULY 2024! I think these tropes speak for themselves! Come take a look at what’s in-store for this month’s releases!
9 Dark Little Mermaid Retellings
Have you ever found yourself craving a story about sirens and pirates? Well look no further! In this blog post you will find 9 stories that embody the essence of one of our favorite childhood princess stories - The Little Mermaid! These stories are dark and depraved but ohh so good!
5 Dark Romance Books for Beginners
Want to read something with darker themes then you’re used to, but don’t know where to start? Check out my list of beginner dark romance books and the genres they fall under! Beginner dark romance books in mafia romance, paranormal romance, hockey romance, mythology retelling, and BDSM romance.
Looking for Your New Favorite Dark Romance Blog?
I am so eager to share my love of dark romance with you all in a unique way. Thank you to all my dark romance reading friends new and old for giving me a space to know and love this genre with all my heart. The least I could do to contribute back is to try to give you all a one-stop shop for your dark romance needs.